Last minute Italy tweaks
 

We leave in a week and a half (May 1) for a 3 week trip to Italy. The itinerary is almost set, but I would love some suggestions for a couple of segments. We currently plan to leave Venice by car after a week's stay. We will have two nights before our next scheduled stop in Lake Como (Menaggio).

As of now two nights are set for Verona, but I'm having second thoughts there. How would you spend these two nights between Venice and Menaggio? Any favorite towns or driving routes?

A second two nights are also in limbo: Between Milan and Volterra. We're not really interested in Bologna, Florence, or Siena for this trip...thinking more to the west side?

We are firm with a car for this trip. Any new last minute ideas would be welcome.
Thank you so much!

We currently plan to leave Venice by car after a week's stay. We will have two nights before our next scheduled stop in Lake Como (Menaggio). >>

Unless you've spent a lot of time there in the past, I would spend those two nights in Venice - you will barely have recovered from the journey and any jet lag at the end of the first day.

Thank you, annhig. We have been to Venice before and, much as we love it, would like to travel through some other towns or areas on our way to Menaggio. Plus, Venice to Menaggio in one shot would make a longer day's journey than we'd prefer.

Upon re reading your post, did you perhaps think we were leaving Venice after one day? Although I could spend a month there, I think we'll be able to tear ourselves away after one week! ; )

oh dear - mark me 0/10 for comprehension skills. How did I misread that so badly? Apologies.

Now to answer your question properly, I'm not that keen on Verona, though I have read whole threads about it here which almost convinced me I'd underestimated it. However, what I would do is to drive up the eastern side of Lake Garda, perhaps staying in Malcesine, or Riva del Garda itself for a couple of nights, and then drive down the other side en route to Menaggio. Loads to do - perhaps driving up into the Dolomites for a day, or get the cable car to the top of Monte Baldo from Malcesine, or get a boat to somewhere else on the lake.

Ha Those seem to be much better suggestions! I suppose we should wait to see the weather forecast a few days before we leave Venice. I had heard that area might not be great this time of year.

Any other suggestions are welcome!